5 Common Culprits Behind Slow Drains: Is Your Plumbing Trying to Tell You Something?

Hair Buildup in Drains

One of the most common culprits behind slow drains is hair buildup. Over time, hair can accumulate in your drains and create blockages that hinder proper water flow. Long hair, in particular, is notorious for getting tangled in pipes and causing clogs.

To prevent hair buildup in your drains, consider installing drain covers or traps. These simple devices catch hair before it has a chance to go down the drain, making it easier to remove and dispose of properly. Regularly cleaning the drain covers and traps will help maintain their effectiveness and prevent hair from causing slow drains.

DIY SOLUTIONS:

Hair buildup is one of the most common culprits behind slow drains. When you wash your hair in the shower or shave over the sink, loose strands of hair can easily find their way into the drain. Over time, these strands can accumulate and create a tangled mess that slows down the flow of water.

To tackle hair buildup, start by removing visible hair from the drain using tweezers or a drain snake. Next, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will help break down any remaining hair and clear the clog.

Prevention is key when it comes to hair buildup. Consider installing a drain cover or hair catcher in your shower and sink drains to catch loose hairs before they become a problem. Regularly cleaning these covers or catchers will ensure they continue to effectively prevent hair from entering your drains.

Soap Scum and Residue in Drains

Soap scum and residue can also contribute to slow drains. When soap mixes with minerals in the water, it forms a sticky substance that can cling to the walls of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can reduce the diameter of the pipe, leading to slower drainage.

To prevent soap scum buildup, consider using liquid soap instead of bar soap. Liquid soap is less likely to leave behind residue. Additionally, regularly cleaning your drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help break down any existing soap scum and keep your drains flowing smoothly.

DIY SOLUTION:

Soap scum and residue can also contribute to slow drains. When soap mixes with hard water, it can create a sticky substance that clings to the sides of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can restrict the flow of water and lead to slow draining.

To remove soap scum and residue, try pouring boiling water down the drain to soften the buildup. Follow it up with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water. Alternatively, you can use a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed to dissolve soap scum.

To prevent soap scum and residue from accumulating in your drains, consider using liquid soap instead of bar soap, as it tends to leave behind less residue. Additionally, regularly cleaning your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help prevent buildup and keep your drains flowing smoothly

 Food Particles and Grease in Drains

In the kitchen, food particles and grease are common culprits behind slow drains. When food scraps and cooking oil are rinsed down the sink, they can accumulate in the pipes and create blockages. Grease, in particular, hardens as it cools, making it even more challenging to remove.
To prevent food particles and grease from causing slow drains, avoid rinsing large amounts of food scraps down the sink. Instead, scrape plates and utensils into the trash or compost bin before washing. Additionally, pour excess grease into a heat-resistant container and dispose of it in the trash once it has solidified.

DIY SOLUTION:

Kitchen sinks are notorious for slow drains caused by food particles and grease. When food scraps and cooking grease are washed down the drain, they can accumulate and form clogs. These clogs can cause water to back up and prevent proper drainage.

To tackle food particles and grease, start by using a plunger to dislodge any visible debris. Next, pour a mixture of hot water and dish soap down the drain to break down grease and oil. For stubborn clogs, a combination of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve the blockage.

To prevent food particles and grease from clogging your drains, avoid pouring cooking oil and grease down the sink. Instead, let them cool and solidify before disposing of them in the trash. Additionally, using a sink strainer to catch food scraps can help prevent them from entering the drain in the first place.

Read our detail blogs about dealing with kitchen sink grease and solutions.

Mineral Buildup in Pipes

Mineral buildup is another common cause of slow drains, especially in areas with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate in pipes over time. As these minerals build up, they reduce the diameter of the pipes and restrict water flow.
To prevent mineral buildup, consider installing a water softener system in your home. Water softeners remove excess minerals from the water supply, preventing them from accumulating in your pipes. Regularly cleaning your faucets and showerheads with vinegar can also help dissolve any existing mineral deposits and improve water flow.

DIY SOLUTION:

Mineral buildup, also known as limescale, can accumulate in pipes over time. This is particularly common in areas with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. As these minerals build up, they can restrict the flow of water and lead to slow drains.
To remove mineral buildup, try using a descaling solution specifically designed to dissolve limescale. These solutions are typically available at hardware or home improvement stores. Follow the instructions on the product and thoroughly rinse the pipes after treatment.
To prevent mineral buildup, consider installing a water softener or using a water conditioner. These systems can help reduce the mineral content in your water, preventing limescale from forming in your pipes. Regularly cleaning your faucets and showerheads with vinegar can also help remove any existing buildup.

Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines

In some cases, slow drains can be caused by tree root intrusion in your sewer lines. Tree roots are naturally drawn to sources of water, and if there are cracks or gaps in your sewer lines, they can infiltrate the pipes in search of moisture. Once inside, tree roots can grow and create blockages that impede proper drainage. Generally, this problem can be seen in old house where clay pipe are used.

If you suspect tree root intrusion, it’s essential to consult a professional plumber. They can perform a camera inspection to identify any tree root damage and recommend the best course of action. In severe cases, the affected pipes may need to be replaced to restore proper drainage. After Camera inspection, if you find blockage is on city side, you can call City of toronto to clear out the blockage with that report.

DIY SOLUTION:

In some cases, slow drains may be caused by tree root intrusion in sewer lines. As trees grow, their roots can extend and infiltrate underground pipes, causing blockages and restricting the flow of wastewater. This can lead to slow drains, gurgling noises, and even sewage backups.

If you suspect tree roots are the cause of your slow drains, it’s best to consult a professional plumber. They will be able to assess the extent of the root intrusion and recommend the appropriate course of action. This may involve using specialized equipment to remove the roots or, in severe cases, replacing the affected pipes.

Avoiding large trees plantation around or near your drain line can help you from tree roots intrusion. If you have existing a plant or tress near the drain line, consider those plants for regular maintenance to cut tree roots to avoid any future damage.